Uganda’s National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board has confiscated and destroyed thousands of illegal slot machines in a series of raids. We examine the process followed and the measure’s impact on the legal gambling industry.
Uganda has been experiencing an ongoing issue with illegal slot machine operations, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas of the country. While gambling is legal and regulated under the Lotteries and Gaming Act of 2016, unlicensed operators frequently circumvent the law by installing slot machines in spaza shops, kiosks and bars, targeting lower-income communities.
Under the Lotteries and Gaming Act, the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) has full authority to confiscate and destroy these machines.
In a bold move following a series of investigations and compliance checks aimed at uplifting legal gambling, the NLGRB has partnered with the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) to confiscate and destroy thousands of unlicensed gaming machines as part of a wider national crackdown.
So far in 2025, the NLGRB has confiscated over 5,000 illegal slot machines. With inspections becoming increasingly frequent and enforcement operations ramped up, the regulatory body remains steadfast in its commitment to protect consumers, particularly those vulnerable to exploitation.
During the inventory and loading process of a raid, any money found in these machines is counted in the presence of auditors and enforcement teams. To date, about Shs11 million ($2,900) has been recovered and deposited into the Consolidated Fund.
The NLGRB’s campaign has a broad enforcement structure, with the Inspection and Compliance unit routinely conducting audits, while the enforcement wing undertakes seizures. Slot machines are only destroyed after authorisation from the Standards and Utilities Court.
A strict registry process is followed from confiscation to destruction, where the court and NEC records are matched to ensure both accountability is maintained and that confiscated video slots do not somehow re-enter the market. In addition to this measure, the board also collaborates with the Uganda Revenue Authority to stem the flow of illegal gambling machines into the country.
The NLGRB’s aggressive campaign has delivered a major boost to the licensed gambling industry by removing illegal operators who often bypass regulations, avoid taxes, and target vulnerable populations.
The board's czar, in collaboration with law enforcement, the Standards and Utilities Court, and the Uganda Revenue Authority, has significantly enhanced the standing of and helped protect Uganda’s licensed gambling industry. This multi-agency effort ensures that offenders are not only shut down but also prosecuted, funds are collected, and consumer protections are reinforced.
The involvement of the URA reinforces financial accountability and encourages tax compliance among operators. These measures foster investor confidence and public trust in the regulated industry, thereby enhancing a safer and more sustainable gambling environment, particularly as Uganda continues to expand its online gambling market.
With Uganda's gaming sector showing impressive growth, strategic partnerships between the regulatory authority, law enforcement agencies and community leaders are essential. These partnerships help ensure the industry remains safe, transparent and legally compliant, underpinned by a shared responsibility to protect the public from harm and the adverse effects of illegal gambling.
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